Thriller Trailers - Analysis

“Shutter Island” Trailer - IntroThis trailer presents a psychological thriller genre. It adheres to the conventional psychological thriller considering it presents the protagonist, who solves the investigation, and contains elements of drama and mystery – such as the ‘monsters’ and the investigators. There are lots of intense moments throughout the trailer, making the audience sure that it is a thriller film. Thriller features are represented through the use of mise-en-scene; the location, costume; camera angles; high-angle shot, close ups; editing; fade, cuts; and sound; non-diegetic sound, diegetic sound.

Mise-En-Scene Costume – The protagonist, Leonardo DiCaprio, is wearing business

clothing, suggesting that he is on an investigation. The fact that he is going on an investigation in this are shows his bravery and heroic characteristics. Also, the patient that is shown conveys the thriller features of this film. Although she is wearing blue clothes, suggesting tranquillity and peacefulness, the idea of her wearing too much blue shows that she was forced to wear it, to put on an act for visitors. Additionally, the juxtaposition of flowers beside a psycho woman gives the audience a fright and an uncomforting feeling.

Location – The location in the trailer is mainly set in a prison. However, before the audience are introduced to the prison, we see the protagonist arriving there by boat and then a truck, then being checked up on by the Deputy Marshal. This shows how mysterious the place is and makes the audience wonder what the significance of the prison is. It creates suspense because a patient is missing from a rundown, prison with other psycho people, making the audience ask loads of questions in their heads.

Camera Angles/Shots High-Angle Shot – There is a high-angle shot

which shows how isolated and small the prisoners’ rooms are. The audience can sort of get an understanding of how psychotic patients are if they are forced to be in a tiny room like this one. But, it also creates suspense because as it’s so small, we wonder how someone could physically escape from this room.

Close-Up – This close up shows many characteristics of the protagonist. We see a transformation of him from the beginning, where he looks neat and tidy, until the near-end, looking tired, stressed and quite frightened. This shows that what he’s going through is mentally and physically traumatic, adhering to thriller genre.

Editing Fade – In the trailer, each extract is shown for a few short seconds

then fades onto a black screen to reveal the next scene. This creates a very intense mood and suspense as it goes so fast, it’s like you’re almost desperate to know what happens next. It fades really fast creating a fast-paced tone to the film, proving it is a thriller as thrillers are supposed to have high intensity.

Cuts – There are a few significant cuts that are shown. For example, when Leonardo DiCaprio is given a notepad and it cuts to him opening it and him when he says “show me your face” and it cuts to the man standing up. This again creates pace and suspense. There are longer cuts and shorter cuts which adds to the effect of intense mood as longer cuts make the audience stare with anticipation whereas the short cuts frighten the audience more and more.

Sound Non-Diegetic Sound – The non-diegetic sounds add to the suspense

and it matches with the action of what’s happening in the trailer. Without sound, the audience will not have the mood the creator intended, to keep the audiences’ eyes peeled but frightened to. It adds intensity to the tone and a feeling of anticipation.

Diegetic Sound – There are diegetic sound such as the thunder when it was raining. The significance of thunder is that it is intimidating and very loud. This makes the audience sort of jump while watching it. Rain with thunder is very depressing and frightening, creating a dull mood to the set.